Letter to Edward Bates

83

(Confidential.)
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, December 18, 1860.

My dear Sir: Yours of to-day is Just received. Let a little editorial appear in the "Missouri Democrat" in about these words:

"We have the permission of both Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Bates to say that the latter will be offered, and will accept, a place in the new cabinet, subject, of course, to the action of the Senate. It is not yet definitely settled which department will be assigned to Mr. Bates."

Let it go Just as above, or with any modification which may seem proper to you.

Yours very truly,
A. LINCOLN.